A Special Message from President Pines

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations! Today’s commencement and the conferral of your degree is a milestone that should bring you a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It also brings great pride to your family, friends and the University of Maryland. 

This is a celebration worthy of incredible excitement and enthusiasm. During your time on campus, you have demonstrated perseverance, ingenuity and promise that we know will lead to great impact. From your classes and research to your clubs and internships, you have acquired the skills, developed the tools and earned the opportunity to make a difference. 

The faculty, staff and administration of the University of Maryland are confident that you are now prepared to move fearlessly forward and continue on a path of excellence that will make the future better for everyone. Now is the time to go out and make your mark in the world by addressing the grand challenges of our time, from increasing literacy and civic engagement to furthering transformative technology and making our environment healthier and more sustainable. 

Along the way, you should take heart in how your experiences here have shaped you and prepared you to overcome any obstacle. You are joining a vibrant community of Terp alums, more than 430,000 strong, connected by love for this university and dedication to using knowledge to better serve the public good. 

My very best wishes to you, your family and friends. Let’s keep moving Fearlessly Forward together.

Sincerely,